The Laubert Gazette

4/5 Edition ~ January 2016

The Laubert Gazette

4/5 Edition ~ January 2016

Important Dates...

January 12... Report cards for the 2nd Grading Period sent home in Tuesday Folders

January 15... Early Dismissal @ 1:45 PM

January 18... No School in observance of MLK, Jr. DayJanuary 19 & 26... Battle of Books practice, 2:45-4:00 in Room B1 (team members only)

What's going on in the classroom...

….. The 3rd GP Reading Counts guidelines are in place. The due date for the four required selections is Tuesday, March 1st. Students have been encouraged to read beyond these requirements to earn bonus points. Since time management is so critical, thank you so much for assisting with the development of a reading "plan of attack" at home.

….. We will begin Unit 4 of the Wonders text selections the week of January 11. The corresponding grammar curriculum will contain a primary focus on "everything" pronouns. We will also continue to review and practice concepts that were covered during the first semester.

..... Chapter 5 in our math book finds us delving into number theory and connecting fractions and decimals. A few of the concepts covered include prime factorization, least common multiple, lowest terms, mixed numbers/improper fractions, comparing & ordering, and converting fractions to decimals and vice versa. Although many of these concepts have already been introduced in our daily Minute Math, this chapter will allow for greater understanding through a more in-depth study.

..... With a new semester begins our new social studies simulation... Galleon! Students will be participating in an adventure which parallels that of 16th century mariners. As crew members on square-rigged sailing vessels, our mariners will face the perils of uncharted waters, storms, deadly calms, scurvy, spoiled food, mutiny, and battle... I don't know about you, but I'm comforted to know it's a simulation! Students will develop a more realistic view of problems faced during transoceanic voyages, as well as broaden their knowledge of infamous Spanish conquistadors such as Pizarro, Cortez, Balboa, and Ponce de Leon (to name a few). The Candalaria, El Espanola, and Sandollar are about to set sail from Spain; but of course, the English Star, manned by "thirsty for gold" privateers, is also ready to sail from England. It's sure to be an exciting learning adventure!

Meet Miss Megan Cassidy

Hello! My name is Miss Cassidy and I am very excited to be working with Mrs. Laubert and her 4/5 class this semester. I am a senior at Indiana State University, and I'll be graduating this May. I am originally from Portage, IN. Like your children, I was also in advanced and honors classes throughout my school career. I am looking forward to "being on the other side of the desk" helping each child grow academically and personally. I've only heard good things about Mrs. Laubert and her students, and I cannot wait to learn from both. I'm excited to get to know the children and see what these next sixteen weeks will bring!

Our very own Christmas morning in the classroom...

Thank you, thank you, thank you...

I am blessed beyond measure by your kindness! I want to thank you for the many thoughtful holiday gifts I received. Courtesy of my studpendous class, Mr. Laubert and I enjoyed dinner and a movie over our winter break; and I'm beyond anxious to use my spa certificate towards a pedicure once warmer temperatures arrive and I'm able to expose my toes! You are very generous, and I am most appreciative.

I would also like to thank our capable room parents for organizing our wonderful holiday treats on December 18. Our morning snacks and afternoon cookie decorating were enjoyed by all during our Celebrate Literacy ~ Holiday Style Day. (I've included a few pictures as a "souvenir" of the fun and frivolity!)

Again, thank you for these gifts, as well as the many kindnesses you extend throughout the ENTIRE school year. I know that I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such a thoughtful and caring group of students and parents! <3